The B-1B — sadly — was highly cited to be a potential future retirement (Throws fist in air). https://t.co/a29PAjn3JY

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- If there had ever been a "nuclear button," this would have been it. A switch on the B-1B Lancer 's dashboard labeled "weapons" toggles between "release" and "safe." Maj. Charles "Astro" Kilchrist, chief of training for the 9th Bomb Squadron and a B-1 pilot, pointed it out during Military.com's flight in the B-1B over training ranges in New Mexico on Dec. 19. The switch, now used in the process to release both guided and unguided conventional bombs, once could have launched nuclear weapons before the B-1 fleet was converted to a non-nuclear role. Related content: Anatomy of a B-1 Bomber Training Mission What's on a B-1B Lancer Aircrew's Wish List? Room for More Bombs B-1 Bomber Crews Defend Sniper Pod After Friendly Fire Incident The B-1, which has the largest payload in the bomber fleet, can be put into any theater without stirring the same c...